MILWAUKEE, Nov. 26, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Northwestern Mutual today announced that it will launch a series of NCAA bracket contests on its Facebook page during select NCAA® Championships, beginning with Women's Volleyball in November. The bracket contests mark the first time an NCAA Corporate Champion is extending the excitement normally associated with Division I Men's Basketball to other key championships, including Men's Ice Hockey, Women's Softball, Men's Lacrosse and Men's Baseball.

"As a company we're passionate about college athletics, and we know our clients are too. So we're excited to help fans celebrate their favorite sports in a way that hasn't been possible until now," said Conrad York, vice president of marketing at Northwestern Mutual. "These contests offer an interesting twist. Participants can measure their risk tolerance after filling out their bracket. Do they play it safe or favor Cinderella stories, and does this match their financial decision-making preference?"

Beginning today, fans can visit Northwestern Mutual on Facebook, like the page, and fill out a bracket. The deadline for entry is Thursday, November 29 at 12:30 p.m. EST. Fans who complete a bracket will receive a unique Northwestern Mutual Risk and Reward Score based on their overall selection of upsets and favorites. The winner with the closest final bracket will win a $500 dollar gift card to the NCAA Shop, while one additional randomly selected participant will receive a $100 dollar gift card to the NCAA Shop.

Northwestern Mutual will introduce additional NCAA bracket contests on Facebook throughout 2013 for Men's Ice Hockey in April, Women's Softball and Men's Lacrosse in May, and Men's Baseball in June. Women's soccer will also be introduced in the fall of 2013.

Northwestern Mutual announced a corporate partnership with the NCAA in January, including exclusivity in the life insurance, wealth management and retirement planning service categories.